Ephesians 5:6

Commentary on Ephesians 5:6 KJV

Ephesians 5:6 serves as a stark warning within Paul's letter to the church in Ephesus, cautioning believers against complacency and spiritual deception. This verse directly follows a list of behaviors unsuitable for Christians, emphasizing the serious consequences of ignoring God's moral standards.

Context

In Ephesians chapter 5, the Apostle Paul transitions from broad theological truths to practical instructions for Christian living. He urges believers to "be followers of God, as dear children" (Ephesians 5:1) and to "walk in love" (Ephesians 5:2). Immediately preceding verse 6, Paul explicitly lists behaviors such as sexual immorality, impurity, covetousness, filthiness, foolish talking, and jesting as things that "should not once be named among you, as becometh saints" (Ephesians 5:3 and Ephesians 5:4). Verse 6 then warns against those who might try to rationalize or excuse these very behaviors, underscoring that such "vain words" lead to divine judgment.

Key Themes and Messages

• Warning Against Deception: The primary message is a strong caution against being misled by empty arguments or smooth talk that minimizes the seriousness of sin. Such deception often comes from those who do not adhere to God's standards.
• The Reality of God's Wrath: The verse unequivocally states that "the wrath of God" comes upon those who engage in these practices. This is not arbitrary anger but God's just response to unrighteousness, a concept also seen in Romans 1:18. It highlights God's holiness and His intolerance for sin.
• Children of Disobedience: This phrase identifies those upon whom God's wrath falls. It signifies a persistent state of rebellion against God's will, contrasting sharply with believers who are called to be "children of light" (Ephesians 5:8). This is not about a single mistake, but a pattern of life characterized by rebellion.
• Consequences of Sin: The verse makes it clear that specific sinful behaviors have direct, negative consequences, culminating in divine judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "deceive" is apatate (ἀπατᾷτε), meaning to mislead, delude, or beguile. It suggests a subtle trickery or persuasion that leads one astray from truth. "Vain words" comes from kenois logois (κενοῖς λόγοις), literally "empty words." These are words that lack substance, truth, or moral weight; they are hollow justifications or rationalizations for ungodly living. The phrase "children of disobedience" (huious tēs apeitheias – υἱοὺς τῆς ἀπειθείας) is a Semitic idiom, common in the New Testament, indicating that disobedience is a defining characteristic or nature of these individuals, much like "children of the devil" (John 8:44) or "children of Abraham" (Galatians 3:7).

Practical Application

For believers today, Ephesians 5:6 is a vital reminder to exercise spiritual discernment. We must not allow cultural norms, persuasive arguments, or personal desires to redefine sin or diminish its severity. This means:

• Guarding Against False Teaching: Be vigilant against any teaching or philosophy that condones or trivializes the sinful behaviors listed in the preceding verses.
• Taking Sin Seriously: Understand that God's standards are unchanging and that He will judge unrighteousness. This should motivate believers to pursue holiness and repentance.
• Living Authentically: As those who are called to be dead to sin and alive in Christ, our lives should reflect God's character, not the patterns of the world. Our speech and actions should align with God's truth, not "vain words."